Effect supplementation of black soldier fly larvae oil (Hermetia illucens L.) calcium salt on performance, blood biochemical profile, carcass characteristic, meat quality, and gene expression in fat metabolism broilers

Yellow mealworm as an alternative to conventional plant- and animal-based protein sources in feedlot lambs' diets: Implications on blood parameters, growth and slaughter performance, carcass traits, and meat quality

This study evaluates the effects of Tenebrio molitor meal (TMM) as an alternative to conventional plant-based (soybean meal, SBM) and animal-based (fishmeal, FM) protein sources on blood parameters, growth and slaughter performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of feedlot lambs. A total of 24 Suffolk lambs [3 months of age, 21.4 ± 1.08 kg body weight (BW)] were allocated for 60 days to three treatments (8 lambs per treatment) in a completely randomized design, as follows: 1- SBM at 150 g/kg dry matter (DM)], 2- FM at 50 g/kg DM, and 3- TMM at 60 g/kg DM. Feed intake, BW, and blood samples were collected on days 0, 20, 40, and 60. At the end of the trial, the lambs were slaughtered for carcass evaluation and meat quality assessment. The average daily gain was higher for SBM-fed than for TMM-fed lambs (0.25 and 0.21 kg/d; P < 0.001). Plasma levels of creatinine were higher in FM-fed when compared to SBM-fed lambs, while TMM-fed lambs showed intermediate values (88.72, 85.69 and 87.57 μmol/L, respectively; P < 0.05). The hot and cold carcass weights (15.99 and 15.52 kg vs 18.49 and 18.03 kg) and yields (44.31 and 43.02 % vs 46.03 and 44.87 %) were lower in the TMM group compared with the SBM group (P < 0.05). The dietary treatment had no effect (P > 0.05) on meat pH, color, texture, water loss and contents of fat, protein, and moisture. Further research should evaluate optimal inclusion levels of TMM in combination with conventional protein sources to avoid negative economic implications.

The Role of Black Soldier Fly Larvae in Optimizing Performance and Amino Acid Composition in Thai Native Chicken

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) inclusion on the performance, economic return, carcass traits, meat quality, amino acid profile, and purine content in the breast meat of Thai native chickens (TNCs) (Pradu Hang Dam Mor Kor 55: PD) from 10 to 70 days of age. A total of 216 ten-day-old PD chickens (108 males and 108 females) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments with four replicates per treatment (18 birds per replicate, with a 1:1 male-to-female ratio). The treatments included (T1) control diet with soybean meal as the main protein source, (T2) 10% BSFL meal replacing soybean meal, and (T3) 12% BSFL meal replacing soybean meal. The results showed that BSFL inclusion had no significant effect on overall growth performance (p > 0.05), but it reduced abdominal fat and feed cost per gain while improving economic returns (p < 0.05). Additionally, BSFL increased some breast meat amino acid profiles, such as serine, glutamic acid, threonine, arginine, and lysine (p < 0.05), and increased total purine content (p < 0.05), although the values were still within the safe limit for human consumption. These results suggest that BSFL can be used as a sustainable alternative protein source in Thai native chicken diets without compromising product performance or quality.

Impact of mediterranean fruit fly rearing residues and biological supplementation on performance of gimmizah chicks

For a transformation of the global food system towards sustainability, circular approaches and nutrient-rich side-stream valorization are mandatory. Moreover, affordable and sustainable alternatives to corn, soy, and fish meal are needed in poultry production. Recently, insects and their derived products have gained research interest as alternative sources of conventional feed ingredients in poultry nutrition. The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly; Ceratitis capitata) production industry using sterile insect technology amasses thousands tonnes of rearing residues annually. This study is the first to shed light on the potential use of medfly rearing residues (MFRR), as a partial replacement for corn and soybean in Gimmizah chicks' diets, with or without biological supplementation (BS). It evaluates their effects on growth, carcass characteristics, blood indices, serum biochemical and histological changes in internal organs. A 7-week trial was conducted using 240, 15-day-old Gimmizah chicks, which were randomly divided into four groups (6 replicates, 10 birds each): the first group (T1) was fed a corn-soybean control diet, the 2nd group (T2) fed the control diet enriched with 1 ml BS/kg diet. The 3rdgroup (T3) received the control diet after replacing 10 % of corn and soybean with MFRR meal, while the 4th group (T4) fed the 10 % replacement by MFRR combined with 1 ml of BS. All groups received isoenergetic and isoprotienic diets with free access to feed and water for 49 days trial period. Compared to the control, both BS and MFRR inclusion with or without BS (T4 and T3, respectively) positively improved body weight, feed consumption, feed conversion, performance index and carcass yield. Blood analysis showed increased red blood cells, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, total protein, albumin, globulins, triglycerides, cholesterol, thyroxine hormone, uric acid and creatinine, with no adverse histological alteration in the bursa or intestine. In conclusion, the study suggests that MFRR can effectively replace 10 % of traditional feed ingredients, with or without BS, enhancing chicks' performance and health. Further future studies are recommended for broader application of MFRR in poultry nutrition.

Black soldier fly larvae oil downregulated gene expression related to fat metabolism of broilers fed low protein diet

Feeding low crude protein (LCP) diets supplemented with crystalline amino acids improves environmental and welfare parameters of broilers. However, increased body fat contents in broilers fed LCP diets have become a concern. Black soldier fly larvae oil (BSFLO), rich in lauric acid, has been reported to inhibit lipogenesis and reduce body fat. A 3 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of BSFLO on performance, blood biochemistry, carcass quality, fat metabolism gene expression, and litter quality in broilers fed protein-reduced diets. A total of 288 broilers were divided into 6 treatments: three CP levels (200, 185, or 170 g/kg; high [HCP], medium [MCP], or low [LCP]) and two oil sources (BSFLO and Crude Palm Oil [CPO]), with 6 replicate pens of 8 birds each. Results showed a 15 g/kg CP reduction had no effect on body weight and feed intake (P > 0.05) but increased FCR (P = 0.001). A 30 g/kg CP significantly reduced the body weight and feed intake with inferior FCR (P < 0.05). However, negative effect of low CP diets on FCR was mitigated by BSFLO (P = 0.008). Reducing CP by 30 g/kg increased fat pads (P = 0.033), whereas BSFLO reduced fat pads (P = 0.049) at all three CP levels. Protein-reduced diets increased blood cholesterol (P = 0.002), HDL (P < 0.001), and LDL (P = 0.002). BSFLO decreased blood triglyceride (P = 0.026) and cholesterol (P < 0.001). Reducing 30 g/kg CP increased meat cooking loss (P = 0.035), while BSFLO decreased cooking loss (P < 0.001). BSFLO increased meat protein (P < 0.001) and decreased cholesterol (P = 0.003). The inclusion of BSFLO in protein-reduced diet down-regulated the gene expression of FAS, ACC, SREBP-1, and HMGR in broilers (P < 0.001). Reducing CP levels decreased litter pH (P = 0.011), nitrogen (P < 0.001), ammonia (P < 0.001) and moisture (P = 0.018). The study concludes that BSFLO reduced body fat by down-regulating the lipogenesis gene expression. In addition, BSFLO enhanced feed efficiency in broilers fed protein-reduced diet.

Effects of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens L.) as feed supplements on muscle nutrient composition, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity in Qianbei goat

OBJECTIVE

Black soldier fly (BSF) as an animal protein feed source is currently becoming a hot research topic. This study investigated the effects of the BSF as a protein feed source for goats on slaughter performance, muscle nutrient composition, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and antioxidant levels.

METHODS

Thirty Qianbei Ma goats (20.30±1.09 kg) were randomly divided into three groups: the control group (GRPC) supplemented with 10% full-fat soybean, treatment 1 (GRPU) supplemented with 10% untreated BSF, and treatment 2 (GRPT) supplemented with 10% heat-treated BSF. One-way analysis of variance among groups (with Fisher's least significant difference post hoc comparison) was used in this study.

RESULTS

The nutrients, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and antioxidants in muscle were analyzed. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the moisture, dry matter, crude protein, ash, amino acids, and mineral content of the muscles among the three feeding groups. The slaughter rate and carcass weight of the GRPU and GRPT groups were significantly lower (p<0.05). The overall meat quality of the GRPU and GRPT groups decreased (p<0.05). The individual unsaturated fatty acids and total unsaturated fatty acids in the GRPU group were higher (p<0.05) than those in the GRPC and GRPT groups. Both GRPU and GRPT decreased (p<0.05) the antioxidant capacity of the meat.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the heat-treated BSF had a better effect on meat quality compared to untreated BSF, but there were greater negative effects on the meat quality of GRPU and GRPT than GRPC.

Effects of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Oil on Growth Performance, Blood Biochemical Parameters, Carcass Quality, and Metabolomics Profile of Breast Muscle of Thai Native Chickens

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the replacement of rice bran oil (RBO) with black soldier fly larvae oil (BSFLO) on growth performance, blood biochemicals, carcass quality, and metabolomics profile of breast muscle of Thai native chickens. A total of 192 1-day-old, mixed-sex, Pradu Hang Dam (Mor Kor 55) chickens were randomly allocated to one of three dietary groups. Each treatment had four replicates with 16 chicks per replicate (8 males and 8 females). Three dietary treatments were used: (T1) the control group, based on a corn-soybean meal with RBO, and two treatment groups that replaced 50% (T2) and 75% (T3) of RBO in the basal diet with BSFLO, respectively. Results showed that BSFLO inclusion at 50% and 75% did not adversely affect the productive performance of Thai native chickens (p > 0.05). Regarding blood profiles, on day 28, chickens fed 75% BSFLO exhibited significant increases in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) with lower eosinophil percentages compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, BSFLO supplementation raised glucose levels but decreased globulin and total protein levels (p < 0.05). On day 63, BSFLO inclusion primarily affected MCV (mean corpuscular volume), with higher values in the 50% BSFLO group (p < 0.05). It also increased globulin and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels while lowering AST (aspartate transaminase) concentrations (p < 0.05). For carcass and meat quality, BSFLO supplementation did not affect dressing percentage or edible meat yield (p > 0.05). However, it influenced meat pH and shear force (p < 0.05), with a higher pH at 24 h post-mortem in BSFLO-fed chickens. Metabolomics showed that arginine biosynthesis; phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan metabolism; alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; arginine and proline metabolism; and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism were the most differentially abundant. These findings suggest that BSFLO can be used for a partial replacement (50 to 75%) for RBO in Thai native chicken diets, potentially offering benefits for animal health and meat quality without compromising growth performance.

Nano-emulsified black soldier fly oil concerning performance traits, health, and immunity of broilers

In the antibiotic-free era, traditional antibiotics have been suggested as alternatives to antibiotic-based growth promoters. Among the various methods, self-nano-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) are increasingly utilized to improve the bioavailability of oils containing essential substances. In this study, we evaluated the effects of black soldier fly oil (BSFO) SNEDDS in chicken drinking water on growth performance, small intestine histomorphology, and poultry health status. We divided 225 male Indian River strain broiler chickens into five treatment groups, each consisting of 5 replicates. The chickens were reared from to 0 to 35 d of age in a controlled environmental housing system. The BSFO SNEDDS was administered via drinking water. Treatments included ordinary drinking water (P1), bacitracin (P2), and 10 mL/L (P3), 20 mL/L (P4), and 30 mL/L (P5) BSFO SNEDDS. The observed parameters included growth performance, carcass yield, blood hematology, intestinal histomorphology, digestive microflora, and immunoglobulin (Ig) levels. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's test. The results indicated that administering BSFO SNEDDS via drinking water improved feed conversion (P < 0.05), enhanced the performance index (P < 0.05), increased carcass percentage (P < 0.001), and increased the weight of the carcass parts. Additionally, it increased villus height (P < 0.01), lowered jejunal pH (P < 0.001), reduced pathogenic bacteria in the jejunum, and decreased the leukocyte count. BSFO SNEDDS in drinking water is expected to be used as a traditional antibiotic with the potential to replace synthetic antibiotic growth promoters in broiler chickens.

The mitigative role of novel aflatoxin-degrading enzymes in diverse broiler performance indicators and gut microbiota following the consumption of diets contaminated with aflatoxins

BACKGROUND

This study aims to explore both the toxic effects of aflatoxins (AFs) and the protective effects of degrading enzymes (DE) on broilers exposed to AFs.

RESULTS

The findings reveal that a diet contaminated with 69.15 μg kg-1 of aflatoxin B1 had significant adverse effects on broilers. Specifically, it led to a reduction in average daily gain, dressed yield percentage, half-eviscerated yield with giblet yield percentage, eviscerated yield percentage, as well as serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase activity and liver SOD activity (P < 0.05). Conversely, the diet increased the feed conversion ratio, liver index, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase levels and malondialdehyde levels in both serum and liver (P < 0.05). Additionally, AFs disrupted the intestinal microflora significantly (P < 0.05), altering the relative abundance of Enterococcus, Lactobacillus and Escherichia in broiler jejunum. The addition of DE to AF-contaminated feed mitigated these negative effects and reduced the residues of aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2 and aflatoxin M1 in the liver and duodenum (P < 0.05). We also observed that broilers fed the diet pelleted at 80 °C exhibited improved dressing percentage and water holding capacity compared to those on the 75 °C diet.

CONCLUSION

In summary, DE serves as an effective feed additive for mitigating AF contamination in poultry production. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Black soldier fly larvae oil (Hermetia illucens L.) calcium salt enhances intestinal morphology and barrier function in laying hens

This study aimed to determine the influence of black soldier fly larvae oil calcium salt (BSFLO-SCa) supplementation on performance, jejunal histomorphology and gene expression of tight junctions and inflammatory cytokines in laying hens. A total of 60 ISA Brown laying hens (40 wk of age) were divided into 3 treatment groups, including a control group fed a basal diet (T0) and basal diets supplemented with 1% (T1) and 2% (T2) of BSFLO-SCa. Each treatment group consisted of 5 replicates with 4 laying hens each. Results showed that 1% and 2% BSFLO-SCa supplementation significantly reduced (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR), while egg weight (EW) increased (P < 0.05). The inclusion with 2% increased (P < 0.05) both egg production (HDA) and mass (EM). The addition of 1% and 2% BSFLO-SCa significantly increased (P < 0.05) villus height (VH) and villus width (VW), while crypt depth (CD) significantly increased (P < 0.05) with 2% BSFLO-SCa. The tight junction and gene expression of claudin-1 (CLDN-1), junctional adhesion molecules-2 (JAM-2), and occludin (OCLN) were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05) with 2% BSFLO-SCa. The pro-inflammatory cytokines and gene expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05) with the addition of BSFLO-SCa, while gene expression of interleukin-18 (IL-18), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were downregulated with 2% BSFLO-SCa. On the other hand, the anti-inflammatory cytokines and gene expression of interleukin-13 (IL-13) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05) at 2% BSFLO-SCa. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 2% BSFLO-SCa improved productivity, intestinal morphology and integrity by upregulating tight junction-related protein of gene expression of laying hens. In addition, supplementation with BSFLO-SCa enhanced intestinal immune responses by upregulating anti-inflammatory and downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression.

Flight toward Sustainability in Poultry Nutrition with Black Soldier Fly Larvae

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), have emerged as a promising feed ingredient in broiler chicken diets, known for their high protein content, nutritional richness, and environmental sustainability. This review examines the effects of integrating BSFL into broiler feeds, focusing on aspects such as growth performance, nutrient digestibility, physiological responses, and immune health. The ability of BSFL to transform waste into valuable biomass rich in proteins and lipids underscores their efficiency and ecological benefits. Protein levels in BSFL can range from 32% to 53%, varying with growth stage and diet, offering a robust source of amino acids essential for muscle development and growth in broilers. While the chitin in BSFL poses questions regarding digestibility, the overall impact on nutrient utilization is generally favorable. The inclusion of BSFL in diets has been shown to enhance growth rates, feed efficiency, and carcass quality in broilers, with the larvae's balanced amino acid profile being particularly advantageous for muscle development. BSFL may also support gut health and immunity in broilers due to its bioactive components, potentially influencing the gut's microbial composition and enhancing nutrient absorption and overall health. Moreover, the capacity of BSFL to efficiently convert organic waste into protein highlights their role as an environmentally sustainable protein source for broiler nutrition. Nonetheless, further research is necessary to fully understand the long-term effects of BSFL, ideal inclusion rates, and the impact of varying larval diets and rearing conditions. It is crucial for poultry producers to consult nutritionists and comply with local regulations when incorporating new feed ingredients like BSFL into poultry diets.

Dietary full-fat or defatted black soldier fly larvae can replace protein sources with no detrimental effect on growth performance or intestinal health of nursery pigs

This work aimed to determine the effects of dietary full-fat or defatted black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) to replace protein sources on growth performance, blood parameters, intestinal morphology, and intestinal microbiota in nursery pigs and to investigate the effects of dietary defatted BSFL at up to 30% at the expense of protein sources on growth performance in nursery pigs. In Exp. 1, a total of 36 barrows with an initial body weight of 7.0 kg (SD = 0.8) were allotted to three dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with four replicate pens per treatment and three barrows per pen. A corn-soybean meal (SBM)-whey-based control diet was prepared with soy protein concentrate and fish meal as additional protein supplements. Two additional diets were prepared to include 20% full-fat BSFL or 20% defatted BSFL to replace soy protein concentrate and fish meal to maintain the same energy and nutrient concentrations in all diets. In the 28-d feeding trial, pigs fed the diet containing defatted BSFL tended to consume more feeds (P < 0.10) than other groups during days 14 to 28 and the overall period. On day 28, the serum blood urea nitrogen in pigs fed the control diet was less (P < 0.05) than that fed the full-fat or defatted BSFL, but fecal score and jejunal morphology did not differ among the treatment groups. Relative abundance of Mycoplasma in the ileal digesta was less (P < 0.05) in the pigs fed the diet containing full-fat or defatted BSFL compared with the control group. In Exp. 2, a total of 192 pigs with an initial body weight of 7.8 (SD = 1.2 kg) were randomly allotted to one of four dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with six replicate pens per treatment and four barrows and four gilts per pen. A control diet was mainly based on corn, SBM, fermented SBM, fish meal, and spray-dried plasma protein (SDPP). Three additional diets were prepared to contain 10%, 20%, and 30% defatted BSFL to replace SBM, fermented SBM, fish meal, and SDPP to maintain for the same energy and nutrient concentrations. Average daily gain, average daily feed intake, gain:feed, and fecal score were not affected by increasing dietary defatted BSFL. Overall, dietary BSFL did not compromise growth performance or intestinal health in nursery pigs. BSFL can be used in nursery pig diets to replace other protein sources without negative effects.